Tension in a locality of Haridwar

Haridwar, Jun 1: Tension gripped an area of Haridwar district of Uttarakhand today after a scrap dealer's shop was forcibly evacuated allegedly by the supporters of a rebel Congress MLA.

The shop, located in Landhaura area, belonged to a member of the minority community, police said. Members of the minority community allegedly hurled stones at the house of the rebel MLA as well as police vehicles, police said.

They alleged that their sacred book was also desecrated in the process as things kept in the shop were thrown out on the road by the MLA's men, Circle Officer Manglaur Pratap Singh said. District Magistrate Harbans Chugh rushed to the spot along with posse of police to control the situation.

The situation is tense but under control, Singh said, adding the DM is still camping in the area. Chief Minister Harish Rawat condemned the incident terming it as the handiwork of a few mad men. "Those trying to vitiate the atmosphere will not be spared," he said.

PTI